Chapter 59 A Companion
Elliot looked at his mother, Rebecca, with a furrowed brow. Although the man tried to remain composed, the flash of displeasure in his eyes was hard to hide. "Investment—Mom, this is not a decision that can be made just like that."
Catherine smiled calmly. Although Elliot seemed to disagree, at least she had Rebecca to support her. "Of course, Elliot. I'm not forcing anything. However, I think this collaboration will be mutually beneficial, considering MGC's excellent track record in various sectors."
Audrey, still there, felt awkward. She tried to hide her nervousness by gripping her own fingers tightly. She knew her place was not to interfere in this conversation unless asked.
"Mom, MGC already has a solid research and development team," Elliot continued, slightly firm. "A decision like this requires in-depth analysis, and I will not rely on personal connections to determine the company's steps!"
Rebecca clicked her tongue softly, looking slightly annoyed by her son's response. "I'm only giving advice, Elliot. You know Catherine has experience in this industry. Why not utilize this opportunity to expand our network while strengthening ties with the Fairmont family? Besides, Catherine is almost at the mass production stage. So it's impossible that research hasn't been done and there's no market."
Audrey lowered her gaze, trying not to show any reaction. She was busy thinking about Rebecca's words, which for some reason made her chest feel a little tight.
The Fairmont family, Catherine, and all these plans she was hearing felt like a high wall that increasingly separated her from Elliot's world.
"It's alright, Aunt Rebecca," she said, gently touching Rebecca's arm. "I'm sure Elliot just wants to make sure everything goes well. Besides, it's just advice. I won't force anything."
Rebecca sighed softly before turning back to Audrey. "Audrey, try to give your opinion on this."
Audrey was startled, and nervousness slowly crept in as all eyes turned to her. "Me... Ma'am?"
Rebecca nodded enthusiastically, smiling. "Yes. You're very calculated about things like this."
"Ah, that... actually, it was under Mr. Harrington's orders—"
"Just say your opinion. I want to hear it," Rebecca quickly cut in, looking at Audrey impatiently.
"I... need data before concluding anything, Ma'am—"
"Well, in that case, you can help Catherine, can't you, to do the market analysis and so on? So that your boss here will be convinced?" Rebecca teased, glancing sharply at her son.
Audrey was surprised, and so was Catherine. Just as both were about to respond, Elliot cut in first. "Mom, Audrey is my secretary! You can't just order her around without going through me!"
Rebecca raised an eyebrow, looking at her son teasingly. "Since when do you care about Audrey?"
Hearing the question, Elliot started thinking about something else.
Yes, since when did he care about Audrey? Since he had indecent dreams about his secretary? Or even before he realized it?
"Mr. Harrington…" Audrey's soft call snapped Elliot back to reality.
Elliot noticed Audrey's anxious gaze, which made him realize. His secretary was clearly uncomfortable with the situation. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his surging emotions before looking back at his mother.
"Mom, if you want to discuss this further, we can do it another time," Elliot said, this time with a more controlled tone. "But don't involve Audrey without my permission."
Rebecca sighed, clearly dissatisfied with her son's response, but she was also grateful Elliot didn't reject or dismiss her. She kept her smile. "Fine, if that's what you want. But I still expect you to seriously consider this advice."
Catherine offered a faint smile. Although she felt disappointed, she still believed that with Rebecca's help, her chance remained. "I trust Elliot will make the best decision. Besides, I'm ready to help anytime, and perhaps I can communicate directly with MGC's R&D team to discuss the initial steps."
Rebecca turned to Catherine with a smile that reappeared. "See, Catherine even understands the procedure better. But of course, Audrey's assistance will still be very useful, won't it?"
Audrey could only nod softly. "Of course, Ma'am. I will help as much as I can."
Catherine looked at Audrey with a sharp gaze that was hard to interpret. Meanwhile, Elliot chose not to say anything more, although his mind was filled with frustration.
"In that case, let's consider this done," Rebecca said, standing up, followed by the others. "Oh yes. You don't have plans this weekend, do you, Elliot?"
Elliot, still trying to suppress his frustration, sighed heavily. "I have some work to finish."
Rebecca just smiled faintly, clearly unaffected by the answer. "Work can wait. I want you to accompany Catherine to the Fairmont family's charity event. This is important."
Catherine smiled sweetly, although her eyes still occasionally flickered toward Audrey. "It's fine if Elliot is busy, Auntie. I can go alone."
Rebecca clicked her tongue softly, clearly disagreeing. "Of course not. Elliot must go. This is also to strengthen our business relationship. Besides, you two have known each other for a long time. There's nothing wrong with that."
Elliot looked at his mother with a gaze that was starting to get annoyed. "You can't keep forcing your will like this..."
"Forcing my will?" Rebecca raised her eyebrows, her tone changing slightly sharply. "I'm just trying to ensure you make good decisions for your future!"
Audrey, listening, felt increasingly awkward. She tried hard not to show any expression. Seeing Rebecca's intent to bring them closer reinforced the fact that Elliot's world was far beyond her reach.
"Fine. I will go, but with one condition." Elliot sounded unwilling to be argued with.
Rebecca looked surprised. "A condition? What is it?"
Elliot glanced briefly at Audrey, before looking back at his mother. "I will bring my own companion."
The atmosphere in the room immediately felt tense. Catherine looked surprised, while Rebecca stared at Elliot with a questioning look.
"A companion?" the middle-aged woman repeated, still disbelieving of Elliot's uncharacteristic attitude. "Who are you talking about?"